Potential Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is trying the nomination on for size as he attacks Republican Vice Presidential Nominee J.D. Vance, hitting Vance in his hillbilly roots.
Beshear called Vance “phony” and not “one of us.” Vance is returning the barbs. The Democratic National Convention leaders are likely watching the exchange to judge the merits of a Harris-Beshear ticket.
Shared Cultural Background
Kentucky and Ohio are neighboring states which share a large population of the Scotch-Irish descendant “hillbillies,” which feature heavily in a memoir written by Vance a decade ago about his difficult upbringing.
Ideological Divide
Beshear and Vance represent two sides of the ideological Appalachian coin, one liberal and one conservative.
Vice Presidential Aspirations
In an interview on MSNBC, Beshear was asked if he would like to be Vice President Harris’s running mate, and he replied that he would consider it.
Criticism of Vance
Without missing an opportunity, Beshear stepped up to attack Vance, saying, “I want the American people to know what a Kentuckian is and what they look like because let me just tell you that J.D. Vance ain’t from here.”
Vance’s Response
Vance did not let the slight go unnoticed, claiming that it was “bizarre” for Beshear or anyone to criticize Vance’s story of his youth. He returned the barb that Beshear is only Governor of ruby red Kentucky because of his name recognition and that he had “inherited the governorship from his father.”
Flip-Flopping Accusation
Beshear returned the back-and-forth criticism by pointing out that Vance had flip-flopped on Trump after having him criticize the former President roundly before his Vice Presidential aspirations emerged.
Regional Differences
The two men have little in common regarding origin outside of their regional overlap. Vance’s spokesman Taylor Van Kirk drew a contrast between Vance, who “grew up spending his summers in Appalachia and came from a poor family,” and Beshear, who “grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth thanks to his politician/lawyer daddy.”
Vance’s Role in Trump’s Campaign
Prior to being selected as Trump’s running mate, Vance spent months trying out for the role and standing in for Trump as a surrogate campaigner, especially during Trump’s occupation with legal trials.
Democratic VP Hopefuls
It appears a similar tryout is going on among a select group of Democratic vice presidential hopefuls. Beshear is a top name on the lips of many, as is Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a former astronaut, and husband of former Democratic Rep. Gabby Giffords. Giffords has also been seen promoting Harris.
Other Contenders
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is also a top contender for Harris’s VP selection, as his stature and national profile have grown following the failed assassination attempt of Trump in Shapiro’s home state.
Beshear’s Appeal
Beshear is an attractive Vice Presidential candidate. He easily won reelection in an otherwise conservative Kentucky, which speaks of his potential ability to appeal to moderate voters who want an alternative to Trump.
Strategist’s Perspective
Kentucky Democratic strategist Crimson MacDonald said, “It’s not shocking that he would end up on a vice presidential shortlist. It’s an obvious evolution.”
Electoral Impact
While many see Beshear as a perfect oppositional foil to Vance, it is unclear whether the vice presidential candidate matters electorally. Thus, voters may still not see the presidential vote as a vote between Vance and Beshear as much as it is, and it will always be a vote between Trump and Harris.
Role of the Vice President
A Vice President must be, according to the Presidential candidate’s estimation, best suited to carrying out the objectives of the President once elected.
